Scott, Sebelius to meet in DC to talk health care

Republican Gov. Rick Scott to meet with HHS Sec. Sebelius to talk health care

Published On: Jan 07 2013 10:32:11 AM EST   Updated On: Jan 07 2013 01:54:26 PM EST
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

Gov. Rick Scott will meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to discuss the Affordable Care Act.

The Republican governor has been a vocal critic of so-called "Obamacare" but softened his stance after the election, saying he was willing to work with federal officials. He's repeatedly expressed concerns about potential costs to Florida taxpayers. The meeting is slated for Monday.

Florida must decide whether to expand its Medicaid rolls, which could extend coverage to roughly 900,000 low-income residents.

The state will also decide whether to pursue a partnership or let federal officials run a state health exchange. The exchange is an online marketplace where residents and small businesses can shop for coverage.

Florida spent about $21 billion on Medicaid this year to cover nearly 3 million people.